WHEN GOD BECOMES YOUR MOTIVATION

WHEN GOD BECOMES YOUR MOTIVATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 2:13

Key Verse: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Colossians 3:17, 23-24; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Psalm 37:4-5; Matthew 6:33; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:1-2.

Description: This message teaches that when God becomes the believer's motivation, His pleasure, glory, and purpose become the driving force behind every decision, service, ambition, and action.

INTRODUCTION

Everybody is motivated by something. Some people are motivated by money, others by recognition, success, position, fame, personal ambition, or the desire to please people. Motivation determines what we pursue, how we pursue it, and how far we are willing to go. Two people may perform the same activity but have completely different reasons for doing it. One may serve God because of genuine love, while another may serve because of the benefits, recognition, or position attached to the service.

In Philippians 2:13, Apostle Paul reveals a powerful truth about the Christian life: God works in believers both to will and to do His good pleasure. This means that God does not only give us instructions; He also works within us to develop the desire and ability to fulfil His purpose. When God becomes our motivation, we no longer live merely to satisfy ourselves. We begin to desire what pleases Him, pursue what advances His kingdom, and make decisions that bring glory to His name.

A Christian who is motivated by God will remain faithful even when there is no applause, continue serving when there is no immediate reward, and obey God even when obedience demands sacrifice. Such a believer does not measure success only by money, popularity, or human approval but by faithfulness to God's purpose. The greatest motivation in life is not what we can gain from God but the privilege of knowing Him, pleasing Him, and fulfilling His will.

1. GOD MUST BECOME THE SOURCE OF YOUR MOTIVATION

Philippians 2:13 says that God works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This means that the Christian life should be driven by divine influence rather than selfish ambition. God wants to shape our desires, redirect our priorities, and influence our decisions so that our lives reflect His purpose.

When God becomes the source of your motivation, you stop depending entirely on external encouragement. You no longer need constant applause before you can serve faithfully. Your commitment is rooted in your relationship with God. People may encourage you, but God remains your ultimate reason for doing what is right.

a. God Works in Your Heart to Produce the Right Desires (Philippians 2:13)

The Scripture says God works in us both to will and to do. The word "will" points to desire, intention, and determination. God can change what you desire and give you a heart that delights in His will.

There may be things you once pursued passionately that no longer satisfy you because God is changing your priorities. When your heart becomes aligned with God's purpose, you begin to desire holiness, righteousness, service, prayer, and spiritual growth.

b. Let God's Pleasure Become Your Priority (Ephesians 5:10)

A God-motivated believer asks, "Will this please God?" before asking, "Will this benefit me?" This does not mean that personal needs are unimportant, but that God's will must have the highest authority in our lives.

Before making decisions about relationships, business, ministry, finances, or personal ambitions, consider whether your choices honour God. A life that consistently seeks God's pleasure will avoid many destructive decisions.

c. Stop Allowing Human Approval to Control Your Life (Galatians 1:10)

People's opinions can change. Those who praise you today may criticise you tomorrow. If human approval is your motivation, you will constantly struggle to satisfy people, even at the expense of your convictions.

A believer must learn to obey God even when people disagree. Do not compromise biblical truth to gain acceptance. Your greatest desire should be to hear God's approval rather than receive temporary applause from people.

d. Make God's Glory the Purpose of Your Actions (1 Corinthians 10:31)

God must be glorified in everything we do. Whether we eat, drink, work, preach, sing, lead, give, or relate with others, our conduct should honour Him.

When God's glory becomes your purpose, ordinary activities become opportunities for worship. You will conduct your business honestly, treat people with respect, perform your duties faithfully, and use your gifts responsibly because you recognise that your life belongs to God.

Biblical Example: Jesus Christ in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41-42)

Jesus faced the painful reality of the cross, yet His highest desire was to fulfil the Father's will. He prayed, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." His motivation was not personal comfort but obedience to the Father and the redemption of humanity. This demonstrates that when God's will becomes our priority, we are willing to surrender personal preferences for His purpose.

2. LOVE FOR GOD MUST BE YOUR GREATEST MOTIVATION

The strongest motivation in Christian living is love for God. Religious activities may be sustained for a while by ambition, competition, or the desire for recognition, but genuine love produces lasting commitment. When you love God, obedience becomes more than an obligation; it becomes a response to His goodness.

Many people serve God because they want something from Him. They pray because they need a miracle, give because they expect a blessing, and attend church because they desire a breakthrough. While it is biblical to bring our needs before God, our relationship with Him must go beyond what we can receive. We must love Him for who He is.

a. Love God with Your Whole Heart (Matthew 22:37)

Jesus identified loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind as the greatest commandment. God does not want a divided heart. He desires our complete affection and devotion.

When you love God sincerely, He becomes more important than temporary pleasures, material possessions, personal ambitions, and human relationships. Your love for Him will influence your choices and determine your priorities.

b. Let the Love of Christ Compel You (2 Corinthians 5:14)

Paul declared that the love of Christ constrained or compelled him. His commitment to ministry was not driven merely by personal ambition but by the transforming love of Jesus.

When you understand how much Christ has loved you, sacrificed for you, and delivered you, your heart will be stirred to live for Him. Love provides an inner motivation that external pressure cannot produce.

c. Obey God as an Expression of Your Love (John 14:15)

Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Genuine love for God must be demonstrated through obedience.

You cannot continually claim to love God while deliberately rejecting His instructions. Love should influence your speech, conduct, relationships, financial dealings, and private lifestyle. The person who truly loves God will make every effort to honour His Word.

d. Remain Faithful Even When the Reward Is Not Immediate (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

True love does not depend entirely on immediate blessings. There will be seasons when prayers appear unanswered, opportunities are delayed, and circumstances become difficult. Yet your love for God must remain strong.

A mature believer does not abandon God because life becomes uncomfortable. Even when circumstances do not change immediately, you can continue trusting, worshipping, and serving Him because your relationship with Him is more valuable than temporary benefits.

Biblical Example: Job's Commitment to God (Job 1:20-22; 2:9-10)

Job lost his possessions, his children, and his health, yet he refused to abandon God. His faithfulness was tested beyond ordinary circumstances. Although he experienced deep pain and asked difficult questions, he did not turn away from God. His life demonstrates that genuine devotion must be deeper than the blessings we receive.

3. LET GOD DETERMINE YOUR PURPOSE AND AMBITIONS

When God becomes your motivation, your ambitions must come under His authority. This does not mean that you should have no dreams, plans, or personal goals. It means that your dreams must be submitted to God's purpose.

Many people are busy pursuing things that may bring temporary satisfaction but have little eternal value. They spend their lives seeking wealth, titles, recognition, and influence without considering what God wants them to accomplish. A God-motivated life is different because it seeks to fulfil divine purpose rather than merely accumulate earthly achievements.

a. Seek God's Kingdom First (Matthew 6:33)

Jesus instructed His followers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This establishes the correct order of priorities for every believer.

When God's kingdom comes first, other pursuits find their proper place. Your business, career, education, family, and ministry should not compete with your relationship with God. They should become areas through which you honour Him.

b. Commit Your Plans to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3)

Planning is important, but our plans must be submitted to God. We should not assume that every opportunity is necessarily God's direction or that every personal ambition is His will.

Pray over your decisions, study God's Word, seek wise counsel, and remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Allow God to correct your plans when they do not agree with His purpose.

c. Use Your Gifts to Fulfil God's Purpose (1 Peter 4:10)

God has given every believer gifts, abilities, opportunities, and resources that should be used for His glory. Your talents are not merely instruments for personal advancement; they are also tools for serving God and blessing humanity.

Discover what God has placed in your hands and use it faithfully. Whether your gift is preaching, teaching, administration, music, hospitality, leadership, or practical service, use it to advance God's purpose.

d. Pursue Eternal Rewards Rather Than Temporary Recognition (Colossians 3:23-24)

Earthly recognition is temporary. Positions change, titles disappear, and public applause eventually fades. But service rendered sincerely unto God has eternal significance.

Do not allow the desire for recognition to destroy your commitment. Continue doing what God has called you to do, even when your efforts are not publicly celebrated. Your greatest reward is the approval of the Lord.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah's Burden for Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:3-4; 2:17-18)

Nehemiah was serving as the king's cupbearer when he heard about the broken walls of Jerusalem. Instead of ignoring the situation, he became burdened for God's people and the condition of the city. He prayed, planned, sought permission, and mobilised others to rebuild the walls. His actions were driven by concern for God's purpose rather than personal comfort. He demonstrates how divine motivation can turn a burden into a life-changing assignment.

4. GODLY MOTIVATION PRODUCES FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

One of the clearest evidences that God has become your motivation is the way you serve. When people are your motivation, you may stop serving when they fail to appreciate you. When position is your motivation, you may become discouraged when someone else is promoted. When money is your motivation, you may lose interest when there is no immediate financial benefit.

But when God is your motivation, your service is anchored in Him. You recognise that every assignment is an opportunity to honour the Lord. You become more concerned about faithfulness than visibility and more committed to God's approval than human applause.

a. Serve God with Sincerity of Heart (Ephesians 6:6-7)

God desires sincere service, not outward performance. It is possible to appear committed publicly while having no genuine devotion privately.

Serve with honesty, integrity, and a willing heart. Do not perform spiritual activities merely to impress leaders or gain recognition. Let your service come from a heart that genuinely desires to please God.

b. Be Faithful in Small Responsibilities (Luke 16:10)

Faithfulness is not measured only by the size of an assignment. God pays attention to how we handle the responsibilities He has entrusted to us.

Do not despise small beginnings or ordinary duties. Be faithful in the little things, whether you are serving in a large congregation or a small group, leading a department or assisting another person. Small responsibilities often prepare us for greater opportunities.

c. Do Not Allow Discouragement to Stop Your Service (Galatians 6:9)

There are times when people may misunderstand your intentions, overlook your contributions, or fail to appreciate your sacrifice. Such experiences can become sources of discouragement.

However, when God is your motivation, you do not allow people's behaviour to determine your faithfulness. Continue doing good. Your labour in the Lord is not wasted, even when people fail to recognise it.

d. Serve Without Competition and Jealousy (Philippians 2:3-4)

A God-motivated believer does not view every other person's success as a personal threat. There is no need to compete for attention, recognition, or influence in God's kingdom.

Celebrate the gifts of others, support their progress, and work together for the advancement of God's purpose. The kingdom of God is not built through selfish ambition but through love, humility, unity, and faithful service.

Biblical Example: David's Faithfulness as a Shepherd (1 Samuel 17:32-37)

Before David became king, he faithfully cared for his father's sheep. He confronted lions and bears to protect the flock. Nobody was applauding him on the hillsides, but he remained faithful in his responsibility. His experience prepared him for the greater assignment of confronting Goliath. David teaches us that faithfulness in private responsibilities prepares us for public usefulness.

5. GODLY MOTIVATION ENABLES YOU TO OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES

A life motivated by God is not a life without challenges. Believers will face opposition, disappointment, persecution, delays, and seasons of uncertainty. However, when God is their motivation, difficulties do not have the final authority over their commitment.

People who are motivated only by convenience will abandon their assignment when the journey becomes difficult. Those who are motivated by popularity may retreat when criticism comes. But those who are motivated by God understand that obedience is more important than comfort and divine purpose is greater than temporary difficulties.

a. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)

The Bible instructs believers to run their Christian race with patience, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith.

When your attention is fixed on people, you may become discouraged by their failures. When it is fixed on circumstances, you may become overwhelmed by difficulties. But when your eyes remain on Jesus, you receive strength to continue.

b. Remain Committed During Difficult Seasons (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Paul experienced pressure, persecution, perplexity, and opposition, yet he refused to give up. His confidence was rooted in God rather than favourable circumstances.

You may experience pressure, but pressure must not destroy your faith. You may face opposition, but opposition must not cancel your assignment. Depend on God's strength and remain committed to His will.

c. Choose Obedience Over Personal Convenience (Daniel 3:16-18)

There are moments when obeying God will demand sacrifice. You may have to reject an attractive opportunity because it involves dishonesty or refuse a relationship that will destroy your spiritual life.

Do not exchange your convictions for temporary comfort. A God-motivated believer understands that pleasing God is more important than enjoying the temporary approval of people.

d. Trust God to Complete His Work in You (Philippians 1:6)

The Christian journey is a process of growth. You may not have reached the level of maturity you desire, but you must continue yielding yourself to God.

The Lord who began His good work in you is faithful. Trust Him to strengthen, correct, develop, and establish you. Do not give up on the process of spiritual transformation.

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:22-26)

Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Yet at midnight, instead of surrendering to discouragement, they prayed and sang praises to God. Their motivation was not dependent on favourable circumstances. Even in prison, they remained committed to God. Their worship became a testimony that brought attention to God's power and opened the way for the jailer's salvation.

CONCLUSION

When God becomes your motivation, your entire approach to life changes. You no longer live merely to satisfy personal desires, impress people, accumulate possessions, or pursue recognition. You begin to seek God's pleasure, love His Word, obey His instructions, serve faithfully, and pursue His purpose. Your motivation determines your direction, and your direction influences your destiny. Therefore, allow God to become the reason behind your decisions, ambitions, relationships, and service.

Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God is working within us both to desire and to accomplish His good pleasure. You do not have to depend on human strength alone. Yield yourself to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to shape your desires and empower your actions. May your greatest ambition be to please God, your greatest passion be to know Him, and your greatest achievement be to fulfil His purpose for your life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, become the centre of my desires and ambitions, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, remove every selfish motivation from my heart, in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, give me the desire to please God always, in Jesus name.

4. Father, deliver me from the trap of seeking human approval, in Jesus name.

5. Lord, let my life bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

6. Father, help me to discover and fulfil Your purpose for my life, in Jesus name.

7. Lord, give me grace to serve faithfully without seeking recognition, in Jesus name.

8. Father, strengthen me to remain committed during difficult seasons, in Jesus name.

9. Lord, let Your kingdom remain my highest priority, in Jesus name.

10. Father, let my life continually bring You pleasure, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. God shall become the greatest motivation of your life.

2. Your heart shall delight in doing the will of God.

3. Every selfish ambition shall lose its control over your life.

4. You shall not live to please people at the expense of God.

5. Your gifts and abilities shall fulfil divine purpose.

6. You shall remain faithful when others become discouraged.

7. Your service shall produce lasting fruits for God's kingdom.

8. You shall overcome every distraction from your divine assignment.

9. The Holy Spirit shall strengthen you to accomplish God's will.

10. Your life shall become a testimony of God's pleasure and glory.

FINAL CHARGE

Beloved, examine what is driving your life. Is it money, position, popularity, human approval, personal ambition, or the desire to please God? Whatever controls your motivation will eventually influence your decisions and determine your direction. Let God take His rightful place in your heart. Serve Him because you love Him, obey Him because you trust Him, and pursue His purpose because your life belongs to Him.

WHEN GOD BECOMES YOUR MOTIVATION, HIS PURPOSE BECOMES YOUR PURSUIT, HIS PLEASURE BECOMES YOUR PRIORITY, AND HIS GLORY BECOMES YOUR DESTINATION!